Delegate Information

Visiting Leeds and Yorkshire

Leeds is a vibrant and multicultural place, and one of the largest and fastest growing cities in the UK. This video produced by the University of Leeds provides a Leeds city tour. There are plenty of exciting things to do in Leeds. For more comprehensive information and ideas, see the Visit Leeds website.

The city has a fantastic food and drink scene, with world cuisines from all corners of the globe. Venues like Kirkgate market and Trinity Leeds food court offer a variety of street food. There are also plenty of cafes, restaurants and pubs on and near the University campus. Shoppers can shop ‘til they drop on Briggate and at Trinity Leeds shopping mall, Victoria Leeds shopping centre, as well as the Grand Arcade and Leeds Corn Exchange, where lots of independent retailers can be found.

Leeds has a thriving theatre and cinema scene. The city is home to Leeds Playhouse, The Carriageworks, City Varieties, and Hyde Park Picture House. Leeds Grand Theatre shows major touring productions including those from Northern Ballet and Opera North. Leeds is also a hub for arts and culture, with plenty of outstanding museums and galleries to visit. The city is home to Leeds City Museum, the Royal Armouries, Leeds City Art Gallery, and the Henry Moore Institute.

Leeds boasts one of the most dynamic and diverse music scenes in the UK. The city has produced influential bands across genres—from post-punk pioneers like Gang of Four and The Mekons, to goth legends The Sisters of Mercy, and chart-topping indie rockers Kaiser Chiefs. More recently, Mercury Prize-winning Alt-J emerged from Leeds University, continuing the city’s legacy of musical innovation. For live music lovers, Leeds’ First Direct Arena and the O2 Academy attract some of the world’s best-known artists. Smaller venues include Brudenell Social Club, Belgrave Music Hall and The Wardrobe—each known for showcasing emerging talent and cult favourites. Leeds Town Hall regularly hosts classical musicians and orchestra performances, while the Howard Assembly Room offers an eclectic mix of jazz, world music, folk and classical acts.

Sport is a big part of Leeds’ history and identity. The city is a proud hub for rugby league, with Leeds Rhinos playing at Headingley Stadium—a venue steeped in tradition and shared with Yorkshire County Cricket Club. Leeds United Football Club, founded in 1919, is one of the longest-established football teams in the UK. Their home ground, Elland Road, is a short bus ride from the city centre and has hosted everything from Premier League clashes to international fixtures. For cricket fans, Headingley Carnegie Cricket Ground is just a thirty-minute walk from campus and regularly hosts international Test matches, One Day Internationals, and Twenty20 games. Beyond professional sport, Leeds offers a wide range of opportunities for active living. The city’s leisure centres and sports clubs cater to everything from athletics and squash to cycling, netball, and triathlon training. The Leeds Urban Bike Park is a standout facility for mountain bikers and BMX riders, with trails suitable for all skill levels.

Leeds also has plenty of parks and countryside to enjoy, easily reached by foot, bike, or public transport. Roundhay Park, one of the largest city parks in Europe, spans over 700 acres and includes lakes, woodland, gardens, and Tropical World—a family-friendly indoor rainforest experience. Woodhouse Moor, just minutes from campus, is a popular spot for students to relax, jog, or play sports. Running through the centre of the city, the Leeds Liverpool Canal offers scenic walking and cycling routes that stretch for miles, connecting the city to picturesque towns and countryside. Just outside the city, Yorkshire unfolds into a breathtaking landscape of peaks, valleys, moorlands, and coastline. The Yorkshire Dales, North York Moors, and Peak District National Parks are all within easy reach, offering endless opportunities for hiking, climbing, cycling, and wild swimming. More information about visiting Yorkshire can be found on the Welcome to Yorkshire website.

Getting to Leeds

Leeds is well-served by multiple forms of transport. Within the UK, it is easily accessible by train and is also close to the M1 motorway. For international visitors arriving by air, Leeds Bradford is the closest international airport. Leeds is also accessible by train from the much larger Manchester Airport. Comprehensive guidance on reaching the University is available here. Regular buses serve the University from the central rail station.